Blessing Ticha Karubwa, Online Writer
AFTER more than a decade of singing together without releasing a song, gospel group ‘The Psalmists’ is finally sharing its sound with the world through “Ubukhulu Bakho”.
Formed in March 2014 by Thamsanqa Nkomo, The Psalmists, a 10-member gospel group comprising Brethren In Christ Church members united by a shared passion for music and ministry, released their debut single on October 23, this year.
However, its journey to recording has been anything but straightforward, with geographical distances and financial challenges threatening to delay the dream.
For more than 10 years, they have harmonised their voices, served through music and held on to a shared vision. But while their songs were blessing audiences, they remained largely unreleased recordings and performances.
Now, gospel group, is turning a long-standing dream into reality with the release of its debut single, Ubukhulu Bakho.
Speaking on behalf of Nkomo, in a tele-interview, group member Nkosinhle Mhlanga, who is an alto backing vocalist on the newly released 5 minutes 20 seconds track, said the group had remained committed to its vision despite the lengthy wait.
“The group has been together since 2014, meaning it took us over 10 years before we officially released our first single. One of the major challenges we faced was maintaining the same sound and vision while members were living in different cities, making it difficult to consistently come together for rehearsals and recording sessions. Some members being based in Harare, others in Bulawayo and some abroad.
“We also experienced financial challenges, as funding was not always available when needed,” she said.
The group’s long-awaited debut single, Ubukhulu Bakho, opens with an energetic keyboard intro that builds into a full-band arrangement within 17 seconds. The entire praise anthem celebrates the greatness and sovereignty of God.
The song was penned more than a decade ago by Nkomo, who is also, the music director, composer and arranger.
Nkomo who is currently based in Botswana is originally from Cowdray Park, Bulawayo Metropolitan province
Mhlanga who is also an Administrator at a local school in Harare said the song was born out of Nkomo’s personal experiences and unwavering conviction in God’s power.
“It is a declaration that there is no comparison to His greatness and that He holds all power in His hands. Despite the challenges and experiences, he has encountered over the years, his conviction in God’s power and greatness has remained unchanged,” she said.
Although Nkomo is the creative force behind the song, he takes a supporting role vocally, featuring as a tenor backing vocalist.
Mhlanga said the group’s leadership structure and ability to identify individual strengths had helped maintain harmony over the years.
“For us, this is just the beginning. We have a whole load of other beautiful songs that we believe the world needs to be blessed with, and we are excited about sharing them,” Mhlanga said.
In a separate interview, co-founder Dumoluhle Ndlovu from CowdrayPark, said the release was a deeply personal milestone for the group, which began as a few young people with a shared love for God.
“Ubukhulu Bakho means ‘Your Greatness’ and for us, this song is a testimony. We wanted to remind people that no matter what we go through, God remains great and faithful. Seeing it finally out and people receiving it with love has been overwhelming in the best way,” he said.
With the first single now out, The Psalmists are already looking ahead, with another song recorded alongside Ubukhulu Bakho expected to be released soon.
“For us, this is just the beginning. We have a whole load of other beautiful songs that we believe the world needs to be blessed with, and we are excited about sharing them,” Mhlanga said.
Co-founder Dumoluhle Ndlovu said the release was a deeply personal milestone for the group, which began as a few young people with a shared love for God.
“Ubukhulu Bakho means ‘Your Greatness’ and for us, this song is a testimony.
“Distance could have easily separated us, but it has actually made our bond stronger. We stay connected through prayer, through technology, and through our shared love for this ministry.
Ubukhulu Bakho is proof that God can keep a family together no matter where life takes us,” she said.
Follow @TeamKarubwa on Twitter
